10 Things You'll Need To Learn About Small Cot Beds
Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still have all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.
To help you make the most of your space, choose the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily disassemble and put up again when you want to make room for other baby objects. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that combines the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something for every space. A lot of the cribs on our list have mattresses that are fitted, which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When choosing a cot, it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before you purchase. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and is easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It's more expensive than other cots in our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the best value cot. It has a lot of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, however a second one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to enjoy a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's rest.
They are cushioned to reduce the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, since they provide good support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. It is also possible to determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing the mattress for a cot, such as the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase a new bed when your baby is ready for it.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for back and side sleepers but senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is crucial to make sure that the cot you choose is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. It could pose an entrapment hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges, and anything else which could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
It's important to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.
This cot is definitely worth the extra expense If you're looking for the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels solid. It takes time to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last through their toddler years.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they're able to safely move to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your child a sense of independence once they start playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed easily. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to choose from.
cots 4 tots 'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of premium bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and comfortable environment for your baby to enjoy the best possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.